The school bell rang at Swellview High, signaling the beginning of another day. Chapa walked in, wearing her signature hoodie and sunglasses to keep a low profile. It wasn't easy blending in when you were a multimillionaire music artist, and the stares and whispers as she passed were constant reminders.
Random Student: "Look, it's Chapa! Why's she even in a regular school?"
Another Student: "Probably just wants to feel normal. Imagine."
Chapa ignored them, heading straight for her locker. As she was putting her books away, she caught sight of Bose a few lockers down, talking to Miles and Mika. She noticed the way his face lit up when he laughed, his awkward but endearing smile. She quickly looked away, annoyed at herself for getting distracted.
Chapa: to herself "Seriously, what is wrong with me? It's just Bose."
She slammed her locker shut and joined the others.
Miles: grinning "Well, well, if it isn't our superstar. How's life in the spotlight?"
Chapa: rolling her eyes "It's fine, Miles. Thanks for asking."
Mika gave her a knowing look as Chapa slid into the seat next to them.
Mika: "So, Chapa, did you notice Bose's new sneakers? Looks like someone's been upgrading his wardrobe."
Chapa shot her a quick glare.
Chapa: "Why would I notice his shoes?"
Bose looked up, a bit confused by the sudden attention.
Bose: "Uh, yeah, I just got them yesterday. They were on sale."
Chapa quickly changed the subject, feeling a bit flustered.
Chapa: "So, uh, what's everyone doing after school?"
Later, in the Music Room
Chapa found herself wandering into the music room during her free period. She picked up a guitar, strumming absentmindedly, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She wasn't used to being distracted like this — especially by someone like Bose.
She glanced over at the door, half-expecting him to walk in, but it stayed closed. With a sigh, she started playing one of her new songs, hoping the music would drown out the confusion she felt.
Just as she was getting into it, the door creaked open. Chapa stopped mid-strum, and there was Bose, peeking in.
Bose: "Oh, sorry, I didn't know anyone was in here."
Chapa: recovering quickly "No, it's fine. I was just... practicing."
Bose walked in, looking around.
Bose: "I've never actually heard you play, like, outside of a concert. You sound... really good."
Chapa felt her cheeks warm up. She didn't expect a simple compliment to catch her off guard, but there it was.
Chapa: "Well, yeah, I am a professional, you know."
Bose chuckled and nodded.
Bose: "Right. I guess I'm just not used to seeing you... like this. It's cool."
Chapa shrugged, trying to keep her voice casual.
Chapa: "Well, if you're that interested, I could show you a new song I've been working on."
Bose: "Yeah, I'd like that."
Chapa started playing again, but as she did, she couldn't help but feel the butterflies return, stronger than ever. And while she didn't plan on saying anything, her heart was definitely trying to tell her something.
